The Vibrations - Misty (1966/2016) [HDtracks]

Think again if you thought The Temptations in a Mellow Mood (an album of standards) pioneered this concept by a '60s soul group; this smooth set preceded the Temptations' album by a couple of years and probably inspired the Motown classic. The dancing, exciting Vibrations shocked their fans with this early-'60s release of standards sung in modern but soulful harmony. It was before its time and wasn't really appreciated until years later when it was out of print. "Misty" charted, but the California natives also serve up excellent renditions of "The Days of Wine and Roses," "I Wish You Love," "What Kind of Fool Am I," and "Gina." The Vibrations' Okeh albums are excellent but rare, each deserves reissuing on CD, and why this hasn't happened is a mystery.